croon

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to sing or hum softly in a low, gentle, or sentimental voice

   He began to croon an old tune beside the fire.

2. 2
   verb

   to soothe a person or animal by singing softly

   She tried to croon the restless baby to sleep.

3. 3
   noun

   a soft, low-pitched hum, song, or murmuring sound

   The singer's quiet croon was barely audible above the piano.

Simplified etymology

Croon was originally Scots and northern English, from Middle Low German and Middle Dutch krōnen, “to groan” or “lament.” Its adoption into standard English was probably encouraged by the poetry of Robert Burns in the late 18th century.

Borrowed into standard English from Scots croon, 'utter a low sound, lament, or sing softly,' which continues Middle English cronen. The older Germanic relatives meant 'groan, moan, or chatter.' The modern sentimental singing sense became especially prominent with microphone-assisted popular singers.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary